Lightweight Portable Changing Garment

ABSTRACT

A changing garment and method of using same wherein the garment allows a user to change quickly, while in public without exposing the user&#39;s body to observers and/or passersby. The changing garment is fully adjustable to allow a user of any size to comfortably wear the garment in one of four styles. Additionally, a method for folding and packaging the changing garment into a convenient, compact package for transport and storage.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-In-Part which claims the benefit ofpriority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/632,865 filed Feb. 25,2015, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/944,945 filed on Feb. 26, 2014, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains generally to changing garments. Moreparticularly, the present invention pertains to a garment which allows auser to change clothes quickly therein, while in public, withoutexposing the user to observers and/or passersby.

BACKGROUND OF THE ART

People with busy lives often find themselves leaving one activity andheading straight to the next activity. Often times, these variousactivities require different types of clothing in order to participate.Alternatively, a person may simply wish to change between activities forpersonal comfort, such as in order to discard soiled or sweaty clothing.Since not all activities provide proper changing facilities, individualsmay find themselves changing in an automobile, behind friends, or evenout in the open. Even when facilities are provided, they are typicallyhigh traffic restrooms with toilet stalls not large enough for even themost petite adult to change comfortably.

Garments for changing attire in public are known in the art; howevernone provide the physical coverage, versatility and ease of use as thepresent invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,185,743 issued to Mick describes a changing robe withroom for a person to change attire in public places without loss ofmodesty. The robe includes a drawstring that encompasses the back, sidesand only a fraction of the front that may be drawn tight to convert therobe from a tent-like garment into a fashionable each toga.Additionally, the hem in the back falls below the knee of the wearerwhile the hem in the front falls above the knee.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,083 issued to Arnold describes a robe-like garmentfor use in changing clothes that is large and loose-fitting on thewearer, with a hood, a large neck opening and a pair of shortenlarged-diameter sleeves. The front of the robe includes a largecentral zippered pocket for retrieval of clothes to be worn and also forplacement of discarded clothes upon changing.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,102 issued to Benjamin describes a garment which maybe used as a robe or towel. The garment is a rectangular piece of towelmaterial with a narrow slit extending in the direction of the lengthapproximately midway across the width of the garment, providing anopening for the head of the wearer when the garment is worn as a robe.Additionally, fasteners may be used to releasably connect the sides ofthe garment when used as a robe.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0249527 by Hunte discloses acombination hooded changing garment and carry bag, providing ample roomfor a person to change attire in public without loss of modesty. Thegarment has a full length center-front opening with separable closurefasteners, wrist area separable fasteners to give sleeves effect, a widescoop-necked area for ease of overhead access when removing or puttingon items underneath, and mesh netting on the hood which providesventilation and allows the wearer to see out through the mesh whilereducing the ability from the outside to see the person wearing thegarment. Additionally, the hooded cover converts to a storage bag forthe garment.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0305866 by Greenbrae discloses auniversal surfing towel which can function as: 1) an ordinary beachtowel, 2) used for changing; or 3) a protective cover for a surf board.One of two fastening systems built into the towel functions as awrapping aid to effectively hold the towel to the wearer's body,providing privacy and ease of changing in and out of a wetsuit.

In light of the above, it is an object of the present invention toprovide the desired features described herein as well as additionaladvantages of providing privacy for an individual to change clothescomfortably and conveniently in public.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a garment to assist with changing one's clothesin public. An individual who wishes to change clothes in the absence ofproper changing facilities may quickly change clothes using the garmentas described herein. The garment is essentially in the shape of a halterdress. The individual steps into the garment such that the garmentcovers the clothing presently worn by the individual on the lower halfof the body. Using a hook and handle, the individual threads thedrawstring noose underneath the clothes covering the upper half of thebody, e.g. t-shirt, tank top or sports bra and pulls the drawstringnoose up and over their head. Once the drawstring noose is over theindividual's head, the drawstring noose is pulled tight using a cordlock resulting in the top of the garment being drawn up around the bodyand under the clothes covering the upper half of the body. When theindividual is satisfied the top of the garment is secured sufficiently,the individual may begin to undress in public without exposingthemselves to observers and/or passersby. As an alternative to the hookand handle, the garment may include a soft handle as part of thedrawstring noose.

In order to undress, the individual reaches one hand into a side accessopening located on each side of the lower half of the garment. Theindividual may then easily use both hands to remove the clothes coveringthe lower half of the body without exposing any part of the lower body.The clothes covering the upper half of the body may simply be removedsince the garment is secured in place to prevent exposure of any part ofthe upper body aside from the individual's arms and shoulders. Cleanand/or new clothing may be replaced just as easily. Clothes for thelower half of the body may be stepped into underneath the lower half ofthe garment and pulled up to the waist using the side access openings asdescribed. Undergarments such as bras and/or tank tops may be put ondirectly over the halter top of the garment. Once the individual issufficiently dressed, the individual releases the cord lock around theneck, loosens the drawstring noose and removes them from the neck, anduses the hook and handle, or alternatively soft handle, to pull the topof the garment from underneath the clean and/or new clothes. Once thetop of the garment is removed, the individual may finally push thegarment down to their feet and step out of it.

Although the present embodiment is described in the context of changingin public, the garment may have many applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself,both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood fromthe accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdescription, in which similar reference characters refer to similarparts, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of the changing garment in afirst embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the changing garment shownin FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of the changing garment asshown in FIG. 1 in an alternative embodiment.

FIG. 4 is close-up view of the hook and handle feature of the changinggarment.

FIG. 5 is a close-up view of the cord-lock feature on the drawstringnoose of the changing garment.

FIG. 6 is a close-up view of a further alternative embodiment of thechanging garment shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 7a-7g illustrate the steps of a method for folding the changinggarment of FIG. 1 into a compact package.

FIG. 8 illustrates the folding garment as a compact package followingthe method of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the compact packageshown in FIG. 8.

FIGS. 10a-10c illustrate an alternative embodiment of the changinggarment.

FIGS. 11a-10b illustrate a close-up view of the side access opening asseen from the outside of the changing garment.

FIGS. 12a-12b illustrate a close-up cross-section view of the sideaccess opening and view blocker of the changing garment.

FIG. 13 illustrates a front view of the changing garment in FIG. 1 in analternative embodiment.

FIG. 14 illustrates a rear view of the changing garment in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of the changing garment in FIG. 13.

FIG. 16a-16b illustrate close-up views of the top interior of thechanging garment in FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 illustrates a compact version of the changing garment in FIG.13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The changing garment 10 of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. Thechanging garment 10 is comprised of a lower portion 11 and an upperportion 12. The lower portion 11 is essentially a fabric column with twoside access openings 14 incorporated into the fabric at the verticalseam in lower portion 11. One side access opening 14R is located on theright hand side of the fabric column and the other side access opening14L is located on the left hand side of the fabric column. Although notshown in the drawings, it is further contemplated that the side accessopenings 14 are comprised further of a “view blocker” fabric panelattached to the interior of the garment which prevents the user's legsfrom being visible through the side access openings 14 during use of thechanging garment 10. The upper portion 12 is further comprised of frontfabric panel 18, drawstring noose 13 with cord lock 16 and hook andhandle 17 and an elastic garter 15 located along the rear top of thefabric column comprising the lower portion 11.

A rear perspective view of the changing garment 10 is shown in FIG. 2.The lower portion 11 is shown including the left side access opening14L. The upper portion 12 is shown including the front fabric panel 18,a drawstring noose 13 with a cord lock 16 and a hook and handle 17, inaddition to the elastic garter 15 and a front panel lining 21. The frontpanel lining 21 is contemplated to serve at least two functions: 1)providing a modesty panel for the front fabric panel 18 while thechanging garment 10 is worn; and 2) alternatively providing a sleeve forpacking the folded lower portion 11 into during storage.

With reference to FIG. 3, shown is an alternative embodiment of thechanging garment 10. The lower portion 11 is shown including the leftside access opening 14L. The upper portion 12 is shown including thefront fabric panel 18, a drawstring noose 13 with a cord lock 16 and ahook and handle 17, in addition to the elastic garter 15 and a frontpanel lining 21. In an alternative embodiment, the hook and handle 17may be attached to the elastic garter 15 in order to better secure thedrawstring noose 13 during use of the changing garment 10 and preventthe hook and handle 17 from flopping around during extended wearing ofthe changing garment 10. Although not visible in the drawings, it isfurther contemplated that the hook and handle 17 may attach to the backof the garment by way of a fabric loop.

With reference to FIG. 4, shown is a close-up view of the hook andhandle 17. The hook and handle 17 is comprised of a washer- anddryer-safe material further comprising a circular opening 42 at a firstend and a hook 44 as a second end. In a first embodiment, the hook andhandle 17 may be used to guide the drawstring noose 13 underneathclothing during use of the changing garment 10. In an alternativeembodiment, the hook and handle 17 may be used to secure the changinggarment 10 during packing and storage. In a preferred embodiment thehook and handle 17 is approximately 4 inches in length. It is furthercontemplated that the hook and handle 17 may be any suitable dimensionthat is compatible with the intended use.

With reference to FIG. 5, shown is a close-up view of the cord-lock 16.The cord-lock 16 is a standard press to release cord-lock as known inthe prior art. The cord-lock 16 is configured to allow for tighteningand loosing of the drawstring noose 13. Alternatively, the cord-lock 16may be used to cinch and secure the folded package of the changinggarment 10 for storage.

With reference to FIG. 6, shown is an alternative embodiment of thechanging garment 10 wherein the side access openings 14 may be used toshorten the length of the changing garment 10 by tucking the hem of thelower portion 11 through the side access openings 14 to allow the wearerto walk easily on sand or in water if desired. It is furthercontemplated that the “view blocker” fabric panel attached to theinterior of the garment at the side access openings assists withshortening of the changing garment by holding the tucked hem of thegarment securely in place within the side access openings even while theindividual walks and/or moves freely while wearing the garment.

With reference to FIG. 7A-7G, shown are the steps of a method forfolding and packaging the changing garment 10 into a convenient compactportable package for storage, the method comprising the following steps:

a) elongating the changing garment 10 to its full length;

b) rolling the hem of the lower portion 11 in the direction of the upperportion 12 and elastic garter 15;

c) continuing to roll the lower portion 11 until only the upper portion12 remains unrolled;

d) opening the lower hem of the front panel lining 21 to create a pocket71;

e) tucking the rolled lower portion 11 into the pocket 71 and pullingthe front panel lining 21 around the rolled lower portion 11;

f) using the drawstring noose 13 to wrap the entire package and cinchingsaid package secure with the cord lock 16; and

g) attaching the hook end of the hook and handle 17 to the drawstringnoose 13 to create a handle on the packaged garment.

With reference to FIG. 8, shown is an alternative embodiment of thepackaged garment wherein the garment is transported similar to a purse.

With reference to FIG. 9, shown is a further alternative embodiment ofthe packaged garment wherein the garment is worn like a backpack.

With reference to FIG. 10, shown in a further alternative embodiment ofthe present invention wherein the changing garment may be used as anautomobile seat cover in the event the user does not have time, orsimply does not wish to change out of their soiled clothing. Thedrawstring noose fits over an automobile headrest and the cord-lock maybe used to tighten the drawstring noose and secure the top of thechanging garment to the automobile seat. It is further contemplated thatthe hook and handle may be used to secure the noose to a car seat pocketor in the alternative to secure the noose onto itself.

With reference to FIGS. 11A-11B, shown are close-up views of the sideaccess opening as seen from the outside of the changing garment. FIG.11A shows a single side access opening which located on each side of thechanging garment. FIG. 11B shows a single side access opening whereinthe changing garment is transparent in order to illustrate the placementof the view blocker in relation to the side access opening. In oneembodiment the stitching attaching the view blocker to the changinggarment may be visible on the outside of the changing garment. Inanother embodiment the stitching attaching the view blocker to thechanging garment may not be visible on the outside of the changinggarment.

With reference to FIGS. 12A-12B, shown are close-up cross-section viewsof the side access opening and view blocker. FIG. 12A shows the functionof the view blocker when the side access opening is in use. During use,a hand is slipped through the side access opening and around the viewblocker flaps to access the inside of the changing garment. FIG. 12Bshows the position of the view blocker in relation to the side accessopening when the side access opening is not in use.

With reference to FIG. 13, shown is a front view of an alternativeembodiment of the changing garment. The changing garment is comprised ofa fabric panel 118, drawstring noose 113 with cord lock (not shown) andan elastic garter (not shown) located along the rear top of the fabriccolumn comprising the lower portion 110. The changing garment may beworn in one of four styles which may be achieved by manipulating thestrapping and securing the strapping at the adjustment point. In a firststyle, the changing garment may be worn loose by leaving the strapuntied or alternatively by threading the strap loosely through beltloops on the side of the garment. In a second style, the changinggarment may be worn fitted by tying the straps behind the user at theback of the garment after passes the straps through belt loops on theside of the garment. In a third style, the changing garment may be wornbelted by tying the straps in the front of the garment using the strapsto belt the garment. In a fourth style, the changing garment may be wornempire waisted by wrapping the straps tightly around the torso and tyingthem together in the back.

With reference to FIG. 14, shown is a rear view of the alternativeembodiment of the changing garment shown in FIG. 13. The top of thegarment 112 is shown including the rear of the front fabric panel and adrawstring noose 113 in addition to the elastic garter 115. As analternative to having a hook and handle at the end of the drawstringnoose 113 there is a soft handle 117 created by hard plastic sewn intothe binding of the strap giving the strap a rigidity making it easy tograb. The alternative adjustment 124 using a cord lock 116 (as shown inFIG. 15) and straps and belt loops (at least one on each side) allowsfor the garment to accommodate various waist and bust sizes. The lowerportion 110 of the garment further includes two zippered side accessopenings 114, one zippered side access opening being located along thevertical seam on each side of the lower portion 110 of the garment.

With reference to FIG. 16a , shown is a close-up view of the inside rearof front panel 118 having elastic straps (not shown) with clasps 123 (asshown in FIG. 16b ) positioned at the sides of front panel 121 that wraparound torso to tighten and secure a shelf bra 121. The elastic straps(not shown) are removable for cases where a user does not want or need ashelf bra 121. FIG. 16B shows the addition of bra padding 125 to themajority of the front panel 118 resulting in the upper portion beingcomprised of a total of three layers of material for maximum coverageand modesty. The upper portion may optionally include printed nipplepetals for further increased modesty coverage.

With reference to FIG. 17, shown is an alternative embodiment of thechanging garment wherein the changing garment is packed into the shapeof a bag. After packing, the soft handle and strap may be insertedthrough two eye loops that allow the bag to be carried like a purse thatcan also hold items within the spaces in the bag.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a lightweight, portablechanging garment which allows a user to change clothes quickly therein,while in public, without exposing the user to observers and/orpassersby. In a preferred embodiment, the changing garment may be usedby any individual wishing to change clothes quickly without exposing theuser to observers and/or passersby. In yet a further embodiment, thechanging garment may be used outdoors, in public restrooms, or in publiclocker rooms by any individual preferring privacy while being requiredto change clothes in a public or semi-public location. It iscontemplated that the changing garment may be made from any fabric thatis lightweight, breathable and easy to care for, i.e. cotton. It isfurther contemplated that the fabric may be sweat resistant, i.e. linenor any other natural fiber which is conventionally known as breathable.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a lightweight,portable changing garment comprised of a lower portion and an upperportion, the lower portion including two side access openingsincorporated into the fabric at the vertical seam in lower portion andthe upper portion including a front fabric panel, a drawstring noosewith a cord lock and a hook and handle and an elastic garter locatedalong the rear top of the fabric column comprising the lower portion. Ina preferred embodiment, one side access opening is located on theright-hand side of the lower portion and the other side access openingis located on the left hand side of the lower portion. In a mostpreferred embodiment, the side access openings are further comprised ofa “view blocker” fabric panel attached to the interior of the garmentwhich prevents the user's legs from being visible through the sideaccess openings during use of the changing garment. It is furthercontemplated that the side access opening may be incorporated into thefabric of the lower portion at any location on the side of the lowerportion that accomplishes the goals of providing the user access totheir clothing without exposing any part of the user's lower body toobservers or passersby.

In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a lightweight,portable changing garment comprised of a single fabric column forcovering the upper and lower half of a user's body wherein the lowerportion includes two zippered side access openings incorporated into thefabric at the vertical seam.

In still another embodiment, the upper portion of the changing garmentis further comprised of a front panel lining positioned on the inside ofthe front fabric panel. In a first embodiment the front panel lining mayprovide a modesty panel to prevent inadvertent nipple exposure duringthe changing process or in the case when the garment is worn for anextended period in the absence of undergarments. In an alternativeembodiment, the front panel lining provides an opening and pocket fortucking the rolled garment into during packaging and storage.

In a further embodiment, the upper portion of the changing garment isfurther still comprised of three layers of material for maximum coverageand modesty. The upper portion may have elastic straps with claspspositioned at the sides of front panel that wrap around torso and becomea shelf bra. The elastic straps may be removable for cases where a userdoes not want or need a shelf bra. The upper portion is furthercomprised of bra paddling covering the majority of the front panel. Theupper portion may optionally include printed nipple petals for furtherincreased modesty coverage.

In another embodiment, the upper portion of the changing garment isfurther comprised of a drawstring noose with a cord-lock. In a firstembodiment the drawstring noose may be used to secure the changinggarment around the neck of a user while the cord-lock may be used totighten and/or loosen the noose. In an alternative embodiment, the hookand handle feature may be replaced with a soft handle created fromplastic sewn into the binding of the strap giving the strap a rigiditymaking it easy to grab. There may be an alternative adjustment strap andcord-lock are positioned at the waistline along the garter foradjustment of the garment to accommodate various waist and bust sizes.The straps are pulled through at least one belt loop on each side of thewaistline of the garment and assist with tightening of the waistline ofthe garment.

In an alternative embodiment, the drawstring noose may be used to securethe packaged garment for storage and the cord-lock may be used totighten and/or loosen the noose around the packaged garment.

In yet another embodiment, the drawstring noose further includes aspecial hook and handle. In a preferred embodiment, the hook and handleis secured to the drawstring noose though an opening in the first endand further includes a hook in the second end. In a most preferredembodiment, the hook and handle is used by the user as a guide forinserting and directing the upper portion of the changing garmentunderneath the user's clothes and the drawstring noose over the user'shead. Following the successful changing of clothes, the user may againuse the hook and handle as a guide to remove the drawstring noose fromunderneath the user's new and/or clean clothes. In a further embodiment,the hook and handle may be used during packaging of the garment tosecure the drawstring noose to the garment to create a handle. In apreferred embodiment, the changing garment may be carried like a pursein the packaged configuration. In a further embodiment, the changinggarment may be worn like a backpack in the packaged configuration.

In still another embodiment, the changing garment may be worn in theplace of traditional clothing following swimming, running or anyathletic activity. In a further embodiment, the hem of the lower portionmay be tucked into the two side access openings to shorten the length ofthe lower portion to allow for greater movement during extended wear ofthe changing garment. In a preferred embodiment, the “view blocker”fabric panel attached to the interior of the garment at the side accessopenings assists with shortening of the changing garment by holding thetucked hem of the garment securely in place within the side accessopenings even while the individual walks and/or moves freely whilewearing the garment.

In yet another embodiment, provided is a method for changing clothes inpublic using the changing garment of the present invention, the methodcomprising:

a) stepping into the lower portion of the changing garment;

b) pulling the elastic garter up one's body to waist level;

c) inserting the hook and handle under the hem of one's shirt, tank topor sports bra;

d) pulling the hook and handle up and underneath the front of saidshirt, tank top or sports bra;

e) using the hook and handle to pull the drawstring noose up and overone's head;

f) tightening the drawstring noose using the cord lock such that theelastic garter is pulled up the user's back to prevent exposure;

g) removing one's lower clothing by inserting one hand into each of theside access openings and reaching up to one's waist to pull down one'slower clothing;

h) removing one's upper clothing which is now on top of the upperportion of the changing garment;

i) replacing one's upper clothing with new and/or clean clothingdirectly over the upper portion of the changing garment;

j) replacing one's lower clothing by stepping into said clothing andinserting one hand into each of the side access openings in order topull said clothing up to one's waist underneath the lower portion of thechanging garment;

k) loosening the cord-lock and removing the drawstring noose from aroundthe neck;

I) using the hook and handle to guide the drawstring noose fromunderneath the new and/or clean upper clothing; and

m) pushing the lower portion of the changing garment down one's body tothe ground and stepping out of said garment.

In still another embodiment, the present invention provides a method forfolding and packaging the changing garment into a convenient compactportable package for storage, the method comprising the following steps:

a) elongating the changing garment to its full length;

b) rolling the hem of the lower portion in the direction of the upperportion and elastic garter;

c) continuing to roll the lower portion until only the upper portionremains unrolled;

d) opening the lower hem of the front panel lining to create a pocket;

e) tucking the rolled lower portion into the pocket and pulling thefront panel lining around the rolled lower portion;

f) using the drawstring noose to wrap the entire package and cinchingsaid package secure with the cord lock; and

g) attaching the hook end of the hook and handle to the drawstring nooseto create a handle on the packaged garment or alternatively strapssimilar to a backpack.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method forchanging clothes using the changing garment, the method comprising:

a) stepping into the lower portion of the changing garment;

b) pulling the elastic garter up one's body to waist level;

c) inserting the soft handle under the hem of one's shirt, tank top orsports bra;

d) pulling the soft handle up and underneath the front of said shirt,tank top or sports bra;

e) using the soft handle to pull the drawstring noose up and over one'shead;

f) tightening the drawstring noose using the cord lock such that theelastic garter is pulled up the user's back to prevent exposure;

g) removing one's lower clothing by inserting one hand into each of theside access openings and reaching up to one's waist to pull down one'slower clothing;

h) removing one's upper clothing which is now on top of the upperportion of the changing garment;

i) replacing one's upper clothing with new and/or clean clothingdirectly over the upper portion of the changing garment;

j) replacing one's lower clothing by stepping into said clothing andinserting one hand into each of the side access openings in order topull said clothing up to one's waist underneath the lower portion of thechanging garment;

k) loosening the cord-lock and removing the drawstring noose from aroundthe neck;

I) using the hook and handle to guide the drawstring noose fromunderneath the new and/or clean upper clothing; and

m) pushing the lower portion of the changing garment down one's body tothe ground and stepping out of said garment.

It will be appreciated that details of the foregoing embodiments, givenfor purposes of illustration, are not to be construed as limiting thescope of the invention. Although several embodiments of this inventionhave been described in detail above, those skilled in the art willreadily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplaryembodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings andadvantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of this invention, which isfurther defined in the converted utility application and appendedclaims. Further, it is recognized that many embodiments may be conceivedthat do not achieve all the advantages of some embodiments, particularlypreferred embodiments, yet the absence of a particular advantage shallnot be construed to necessarily mean that such an embodiment is outsidethe scope of the present invention.

I claim:
 1. A changing garment for providing modesty for a user, thegarment comprising a fabric column wherein the fabric column has anupper portion in the shape of a halter top and a lower portion in theshape of a skirt and further wherein the upper portion and the lowerportion are
 2. The changing garment of claim 1, wherein the lowerportion further includes two side access openings incorporated into thefabric at the vertical seam on each side of the lower portion.
 3. Thechanging garment of claim 2, wherein the side access openings furtherinclude zippers in order to prevent viewing of a user's body during whenworn.
 4. The changing garment of claim 1, wherein the lower portionfurther includes an elastic garter positioned at the rear top of thefabric of the lower portion.
 5. The changing garment of claim 1, whereinthe upper portion further includes a front fabric panel for modesty whenthe changing garment is worn without undergarments.
 6. The changinggarment of claim 1, wherein the upper portion is further comprised of:a) a drawstring noose; b) a cord lock; and c) a soft handle.
 7. Thechanging garment of claim 6, wherein the cord lock securely tightens orloosens the drawstring noose around the user's neck during use.
 8. Thechanging garment of claim 1, wherein the changing garment furtherincludes at least two belt loops at the midsection of the changinggarment and a strap belt with a cord lock for waist adjustment.
 9. Thechanging garment of claim 1, wherein the entire garment is washer anddryer safe.
 10. The changing garment of claim 1, wherein the garmentfolds into a compact portable package for transport and storage.
 11. Amethod for folding and packaging the changing garment into a convenientcompact portable package for storage, the method comprising thefollowing steps: a) elongating the changing garment to its full length;b) rolling the hem of the lower portion in the direction of the upperportion and elastic garter; c) continuing to roll the lower portionuntil only the upper portion remains unrolled; d) opening the lower hemof the front panel lining to create a pocket; e) tucking the rolledlower portion into the pocket and pulling the front panel lining aroundthe rolled lower portion; and f) using the drawstring noose to wrap theentire package and cinching said package secure with the cord lock. 12.The method of claim 11, wherein the packaged garment may be transportedas a purse.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the packaged garment maybe transported as a backpack.
 14. A method for changing clothes usingthe changing garment, the method comprising: a) stepping into the lowerportion of the changing garment; b) pulling the elastic garter up one'sbody to waist level; c) inserting the soft handle under the hem of one'sshirt, tank top or sports bra; d) pulling the soft handle up andunderneath the front of said shirt, tank top or sports bra; e) using thesoft handle to pull the drawstring noose up and over one's head; f)tightening the drawstring noose using the cord lock such that theelastic garter is pulled up the user's back to prevent exposure; g)removing one's lower clothing by inserting one hand into each of theside access openings on either side of the lower portion and reaching upto one's waist to pull down one's lower clothing; h) removing one'supper clothing which is now on top of the upper portion of the changinggarment; i) replacing one's upper clothing with new and/or cleanclothing directly over the upper portion of the changing garment; j)replacing one's lower clothing by stepping into said clothing andinserting one hand into each of the side access openings in order topull said clothing up to one's waist underneath the lower portion of thechanging garment; k) loosening the cord-lock and removing the drawstringnoose from around the neck; I) using the soft handle to guide thedrawstring noose from underneath the new and/or clean upper clothing;and m) pushing the lower portion of the changing garment down one's bodyto the ground and stepping out of said garment.
 15. The method of claim14, wherein the garment provides privacy and prevents exposure of theuser's body during the changing process